Future of the Lightweight Division: Anthony Pettis

The light weight division is one of the most competitive divisions in MMA where a lot of fighters reside not only state side but also overseas.

I believe the future king of the light weight division is Anthony “Showtime” Pettis. Fresh in our minds coming off of his 5 round war with Ben “Smooth” Henderson” which was one of the greatest fight I have ever seen in MMA. The fight was the main event at the WEC’s final event WEC 53 which was the last event before merging with the UFC.

Anthony “Showtime” Pettis was born January 27th, 1987, making him just 23 years old. He went pro in December 2007, and he holds a record of 13-1. His only loss was a split decision against Bart Palazewski at WEC 45 which many believe he won that fight. Anthony holds wins in the WEC over Mike Campbell, Danny Castillo, Alex Karalexis, Shane Roller, and the former champ Ben Henderson.

Having beaten Ben Henderson, Pettis now will fight the winner of Frankie Edgar vs. Gray Maynard, which take place at UFC 125. Either opponent I believe Pettis can beat. Pettis has the arguably the most versatile striking in the division, is very well versed Brazilian Jui Juitsu, and has fast hips making him very dangerous with his submission game. He also has showed solid wrestling taking down top notch wrestlers. Either opponent will play into his strengths. He will have the advantage on the feet against both. He will be just as fast as Edgar, and faster than Maynard. Neither opponent is known for finishing their opponents, which will be a mistake, giving Pettis every second in a 25 minute fight to get the win.

Being only 23 is what is really remarkable with Pettis, to be so young and show so much talent. He is the future of the light weight division. He will look to prove this when he attempts to unify the WEC and the UFC light weight titles. With the already influx of Japanese talent starting to come over the pond since the merger, Pettis no doubt will have all the opportunities to prove that he is the future of the light weight division, as well as the #1 light weight in the world.

yes it was a awesome kick pettis is an exciting fighter but the wec lw and the ufc lw are worlds apart . while pettis is still young and has a lot of room to grow either maynard or edgar would easily beat him

If Pettis doesn’t get grinded out (neutralized), by their wrestling in a boring decision than I have to say it’s all Pettis. WEC fighters come to fight and UFC fighters come to get paid. Sorry, but it’s true!

Yes Very talented and has a lot of tools. But saying he is the future of that division seems a little fast. I wasn’t hearing much talk about him til after he beat Ben. Think we are just a little star struck. Anthony is a good fighter and looks promising don’t get me wrong.

any hardcore MMA fan at least hear about Pettis before he fight Henderson, i noticed him right away after watching him fight in the WEC .
the problem is people think the UFC is the entire sport and if someone is not fighting in the UFC hes not legit.
But Pettis is still very young and the potential he has its 10 times better than any experience Maynard or Edgar could get fighting in the UFC. its just matter of time for Pettis thats the beauty of the real talent.

Pettis comes to fight not to score points thats what will make him stand among the rest you’ll see.

Greatest fight in MMA history, thats a bit much. It was a good fight and a close fight, i had it even until the 5th round. I thought that Bendo would have a good chance against Edgar and May, and now i think AP has just as good of a chance as Bendo. But Edgar is so quick. AP didn’t show quickness like Edgar. I still have Edgar winning that fight. I think AP would beat May though. But i’m excited to see.

Greatest fight in MMA history, thats a bit much. It was a good fight and a close fight, i had it even until the 5th round. I thought that Bendo would have a good chance against Edgar and May, and now i think AP has just as good of a chance as Bendo. But Edgar is so quick. AP didn’t show quickness like Edgar. I still have Edgar winning that fight. I think AP would beat May though. But i’m excited to see.

I think he deserves the hype he is getting but I also think it’s too soon to call him the future. There are a lot of fighters in the UFC that can test Pettis for sure. He will make for some exciting fights and I can’t wait.

Maynard or Edgar would be favourite against Pettis, but he is not without a chance. Quite hard to see where he would have the advantage against either of them and if Penn decides to drop back to LW, Pettis would probably not even break into the top 3.

Of all the fights i want to see in the LW division though, it’s Pettis – Edgar. their styles are made for each other.

the only thing is that edgar beat the snot out of penn both times so i mean as awesome as the showtime kick was the kick is a very risky move and against edgar i dont know if the whole leaving the ground thing would work out so well. showtime is a great fighter but edgar just has a whole lot of experience but pettis has alot of time to get better. i just think its way early to start saying he is the future of the lightweight division.